What to look for when hiring a mental health professional

I'm happy that the tide has turned and seeking optimum mental health is no longer a weird thing to do. There are now thousands of professionals that serve others, help them live their best lives, and improve their mental health. And I also know that it can be overwhelming wading through all the different types of therapy. Luckily there is one easy trick to helping you connect with the right person.

---

Specialization

---

If you are going to be sharing the most guarded parts of yourself, you probably want someone who understands the ins and outs of what the particular challenge, right?

Imagine yourself sitting in your new therapist's office. You have just finished describing your situation the therapist looks at you and says, "I have no idea what that's like. Hmmmm let's just apply my usual techniques and see if they work." How would you feel? Would you still trust that the therapist could help you solve the problem?

Now imagine a different office and therapist but this time, after hearing your story the therapist replies, "I've been there. This is how I got to the other side. Let's put together a plan that helps you do the same thing." Would you feel differently? Would there be any doubt in your mind that this was the right therapist for you? No way!

Which therapist would you rather work with? The one that had experience with and specialized in your particular challenge! And that's the key.

Now, do you need to find someone who has had the same exact experiences as you? No, that would be pretty to difficult to find and you would lose out on all the wisdom someone with different experiences could offer you. But you can absolutely find a therapist that has had success helping clients (and maybe even themselves) through the obstacle you are facing. Someone who has honed their craft and perfected their process.

---

How to tell if a therapist is specialized

---

If you type "therapist" and location into Google, Psychology Today listings will one of the first results. If you click on it, a list of verified professionals in that area will come up. Here is part of a listing for a therapist working in Raleigh North Carolina:

This therapist's specialties are listed as well as 20 other issues. How can someone be just as good at working with Asperger's Syndrome as they are with grief? In my experience (someone who does specialize in loss and grief) these are two very different skill sets. Grief being one I have spent over 5 years exploring, experiencing and learning about. If you keep scrolling you will see this:

Again how can someone be just as good at coaching as they are at CBT and the Gottman Method and Play therapy? These methods take many many hours to perfect and no one ever gets it 100% right, that's why it's called a practice. But if you are practicing all 11 types of therapy listed here what chance do you have of mastering any of them?

---

The Solution

---

If you have depression find a therapist that talks about depression, writes articles and blog posts on depression, and has client testimonials describing how the therapist helped them overcome depression.

The same thing goes for trauma, grief, sex, or premarital counseling. All of these areas have nuances that someone with limited or generic training would stumble through while someone with experience, specialized training, and dedication to serving that particular population would be prepared for.

I hope this post helped you understand the benefits of finding someone who specializes in your particular challenge. Still have questions? Leave your question in the comments below or email me at meaganhammerlcc@gmail.com. I'm here for you on your healing journey!

Much love and many blessings,

Meagan

---

If you are struggling with trauma, PTSD, or loss, I would love to help you overcome these challenges without drugs or endless talking. Schedule a complimentary phone consultation here.